Regina Lark is a Certified Senior Move Manager.
She works with people in the following ways:
DOWNLOAD our Top 10 Tips: Downsizing and Moving Homes
SENIORS
- Develop plans with the adult children for downsizing parents’ living space so that the children do not feel alone in the process
- Assists with floor plans to organize new living quarters
- Packs items to be distributed to other family members/friends
- Travel with Seniors to the new living quarters to help organize the move in
- Develop plans for disposition of unwanted items
- Recommends E-bay sellers to sell unwanted but valuable items on E-bay
or similar sites - Organizes yard sale if this is what family wants
- Decreases anxiety about this big change in the family
BOOMERS
- Helps organize home, office, and garage
- Takes stock of what is owned
- Helps determine what to save, toss, donate
- Earns money for clients by selling unwanted but valuable items in E-bay
or similar sites - Shows how to use space effectively
- Works side-by-side until all are satisfied with results
- Help you feel more relaxed with more time for fun
- Helps you improve your well being and reduces stress
- Helps create peace of mind so that little is left for adult children to clear later.
- Helps you release attachment to some of your things
- Shows environmental consciousness
- Teaches you what you can happily learn to live without!
Resources for Older Adults
Groups and Organizations:
- Alzheimer’s Association: www.alz.org/californiasouthland
- Circle of Care Leeza’s Place – A resource for caregivers including respite care: www.leezasplace.org/locSO.html
- Gay and Lesbian Elder Housing – Apartment living for low-income seniors: www.gleh.org
- Jewish Family Services of Los Angeles: www.jfsla.org
Senior Living:
- Concepts for Living – A Free (to client) residential placement service: conceptsforliving.com
- Silverado Senior Living – Specializing in hospice and dementia care: silveradosenior.com
- Spirited Balance – preventing falls atep by step spiritedbalance.com
Services:
- Guide for home remodeling for disabilities and special needs www.expertise.com
- The nation’s largest senior living review site: www.senioradvisor.com
- Conservatorship/Financial Planning for LGBT Seniors – Joel Loquvam, Esq: www.legacywealthplan.com
- Elder law issues – Mitchell Karasov, Esq: www.karasovelderlaw.com
- Fifty+ Fitness – Lori Michiel for personal physical fitness and weight training: www.lorimichielfitness.com
- Life Energy Coaching: Shirley and Murray Ansell for issues associated with shifting the energy for emotionally healthy retirement: www.lifeenergycoaching.com
- Realtor in Reverse Mortgages: Ronald Shore at Keller Williams: http://www.ronaldshore.com
- Wise and Healthy Aging: In-home services for low-income seniors: www.wiseandhealthyaging.com
Suggested Reading:
- Stages of Senior Care: Your Step by Step Guide to Making the Best Decisions. Paul Hogan and Lori Hogan. McGraw Hill, 2009
- The Complete Elder Care Planner Joy Loverde. Three Rivers Press, 2009
- The Good Non-Retirement Guide Frances Kay. Kogan Press, 2011
BEWARE of THESE FINANCIAL SCAMS
From the City of Santa Monica: Financial scams can target people at any age, but seniors are often favorite targets of scammers because most are homeowners, have substantial savings, are more trusting and may not know enough about the latest technology and laws to protect themselves. These scams cost older Americans millions of dollars every year. If you’re unsure if any company is legitimate or committing fraud, contact the Better Business Bureau or the FTC and look for these common schemes – it just might save your financial future.
- Prize and Sweepstakes Scams: In order to get your prize, scammers will tell recipients they have to pay taxes or fees on them first and the prize will be mailed to them later.
If you have genuinely won a prize, there should be no tax or fee to get the item. Any taxes due will be paid to the government at the end of the fiscal year. - Reverse Mortgage Scams: Legitimate reverse mortgages are insured by the Federal Housing Authority; any that aren’t, you can assume are scams.
- Credit Repair Scams: There is no fast way to repair credit. It requires time, paying bills promptly, and making good on any debts.
- Home, Auto Repair, and Medical Equipment Scams: Protect yourself by not getting loans through companies that solicit over the phone and avoid anyone targeting those with credit score problems.
- “I Need Help” Scams: Victims of these scams are tricked into giving money or providing account information, a mistake that can cost thousands of dollars. Delete all e-mails from unknown addresses. Banks will never ask for your personal information over the phone or via e-mail.
- Grandparent Scam: The grandparent receives a call from a person claiming to be their grandson or granddaughter. The caller says he or she is travelling in a foreign country, is in legal trouble, and needs emergency cash. The calls are usually made in the middle of the night and the scammer insists that the funds be sent by wire or overnight delivery. Always verify that your loved one is actually away before wiring any money anywhere! A simple phone call can save you a great deal of money and heartache.
The old adage holds true – if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Protect your privacy, and your financial integrity.